Since the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted him in 2021, Trevor Lawrence has had quite a start to his NFL career. That may seem like an odd statement for a player entering his fifth NFL season and already on his second contract—and someone who played only okay despite his offensive line having a day—but hear me out. Is anyone really counting his rookie season? I like to think he gets a mulligan for that, though you're free to disagree with me.
His second season? His play was a key factor in an electric 2022, and the Jaguars' playoff comeback against the Los Angeles Chargers doesn't happen unless he plays lights out. Sure, it doesn't happen with four picks in the first half either.
Enter 2023 and 2024. I don't want to sound like a guy making excuses, but those two injury-plagued seasons can't be laid solely at the feet of No. 16. A lot went wrong over the last two years. But this year? This is his year to prove he's the man for the job and that he's the generational talent Jaguars fans were promised.
With a new leadership, a locker room full of weapons, and a healthy body, Lawrence has to step up or step out. He started with a middling performance against a lackluster Carolina. He needs to be better.
It's make or break time for the former Clemson star.
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NFL analyst Bucky Brooks still believes in Trevor Lawrence
On paper, quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a lackluster day against the Carolina Panthers in an otherwise dominant Week 1 win. In addition to his interception, he had a few errant throws that even he acknowledged, saying (8:15 mark), "I thought I left a few out there for sure that I can make just a couple more plays. Obviously, the turnover is something you want to have back and limit those."
But stats don't tell the whole story. NFL analyst Bucky Brooks, in his weekly breakdown of the Jaguars, agrees with Black and Teal's own Jeff Tice that Lawrence proved himself as a capable game manager.
"Despite a pedestrian stat line that drew the ire of fantasy football fans around the country, Lawrence managed the game like a trusted pro," Brooks said. "The former No.1 overall selection played with the confidence, poise, and command of a seasoned vet with a championship pedigree. Lawrence effectively ran the show from the line of scrimmage, getting the Jaguars into the optimal play with pre-snap audibles and adjustments."
He continued, "The fifth-year pro's command of the offense was reflected in his decisiveness in pivotal moments. Though his throws did not always hit the mark, Lawrence did not flinch, making aggressive throws to his primary targets down the field. Considering how franchise quarterbacks are expected to do what it takes to lead their teams to victory, the Jaguars' QB1 deserves a round of applause for his work in the season opener."
Related: Ex-NFL head coach urges Jaguars to pull the plug on Travis Hunter experiment
Final thoughts
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is in an odd position. Despite a second contract and the organization's expressed faith in him, it still seems that he has to prove he belongs in the QB1 slot on the depth chart. This is a critical year for No. 16. With the weapons he has and the support owner Shad Khan has surrounded him with, there's nothing holding him back from having a true, breakout season.